10 Inspiring Coming-Out Speeches
At this point, if I see one more Jodie-Foster-coming-out analysis, I just may have to lock myself in a panic room. “It was too weird.” “She didn’t come across proud enough.” “It doesn’t count, because she’s friends with Mel Gibson.” Come on, people! Yes, it was awkward as hell, but the lady finally told the world she’s gay, and that’s big news no matter which way you swing it. Ahem, Queen Latifah …
Anyway, now that there’s a spotlight on big stars coming out, Flavorpill has compiled this great list of other celebs who’ve made inspiring loud-and-proud debuts — whether they came out as gay, lesbian, trans or friend to a hate-spewing antisemite. I’m just joking about that last part.
Anyway … Among those on the list are:
Ricky Martin: “These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn’t even know existed … I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.”
Anderson Cooper: “The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.”
Hillary Clinton: In a speech on International Human Rights Day, the Secretary of State announced her support for the LGBTQ community on the world stage. “I am talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people — human beings born free and given bestowed equality and dignity, who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time.”
Wanda Sykes: “Everybody who knows me personally, they know I’m gay. And that’s the way people should be able to live our lives, really.”
Frank Ocean: “I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after together. … By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating with the feeling, no choice. It was my first love. It changed my life.” (I could listen to Frank all day.)
